As I’m sure many would agree, 2009 was a wild roller coaster ride with many ups and downs. During times when great things seemed to be far away I reminded myself that there are countless others are much less fortunate than ourselves.

There were many times when I wondered about the direction I was heading in and whether the path I was choosing was the right path, but through time, hard work, assistance from a few close friends and family, and luck many great things came together in 2009.

I have many personal and career goals for 2010, so here’s to working hard, a little luck, and striving for all we allow ourselves to achieve!

Winter Grass, Syracuse, New York, 2009

I was making eggs on the stove tonight.

My family’s dog, Tahoe, always sits near the stove when I start making eggs.

She watches my every move and waits for a hand out. I’m easy and always give her a small piece or two.

Tonight I looked at her and said, “You know, Tahoe, you know nothing about these eggs; only that they taste good.”

Realizing what I had just said, I silently asked myself, “What else is there to know?”

Tahoe, Syracuse, New York, 2009

While growing up I was allergic to common animals like dogs and cats. It was immensely difficult because I have always had a strong affection for animals. Wanting a dog but not being able to keep it inside because of my severe allergies, my father transformed our pool shed into a dog palace complete with tiled floors, electric heat, windows, insulation, doggie door, and fenced in area.

We started with our first dog, a yellow lab we named Buttercup. A few years later we added a second yellow lab and named her Sierra. I deeply loved Buttercup and Sierra but going away to college and later moving to Maine created large physical and emotional distances from them, and we saw each other less and less.

While living in Maine, my parents came for a summer visit and we went for a walk in the Camden Park. As the sun dipped beneath the horizon my parents began to explain that cancer had rapidly spread throughout Sierra, and that they had no choice but to put her to sleep, reliving her from her suffering.

Upon hearing this I began to feel very disconnected with her passing by not seeing her regularly. After watching this documentary I am able to better connect with her passing and identify with the emotions I was unable to feel for so long. May you find peace and connection with your family during this holiday season!

Mom’s Pie, Syracuse, New York, 2009

Ethan Jones and I are the founders of Pause, to Begin, a unique project born in discussions about the direction of contemporary photography today. We’re elated to announce the release of the Pause, to Begin Catalogue Edition for sale through our publisher, Booksmart Studio.  

The beautiful hardbound catalogue (color, 108 pages) accompanies the Pause, to Begin exhibition held at Booksmart Studio from January 2–30, 2009, and is limited to 500 copies. The remarkable catalogue showcases the work of the 15 selected photographers, as well as statements on photography and the creation of Pause, to Begin by Ethan Jones and myself; advisors John Paul Caponigro and Joyce Tenneson; juror Cig Harvey; and editorial director Susan Morelock.

(Sonja Thomsen’s spread)

>>>>> Check out the book and purchase it here <<<<<

Flak Photo, founded by Andy Adams, celebrates the season with a selection of 20 WINTER PICTURES from the online photography community starting today.

I’m proud to have a photograph from my series “Old Orchard Beach, Maine, 2007″ included with Andy’s selection of remarkable photographers: Erika Larsen, Lisa Robinson, Eric Weeks, Michael Itkoff, Simon Roberts, Olaf Otto Becker, Ofer Wolberger, Andrew Phelps, Colin Blakely, Dede Johnston, Eamon Mac Mahon, Corey Arnold, Emily Shur, Finn O’Hara, James Pomerantz, Jason Reblando, Michael Hall, Scott Conarroe, and Shane Lavalette.

The photograph below is from my series “Old Orchard Beach, Maine, 2007″ but it’s not the one being featured. Surprises are good, right? Head on over to Flak Photo and check out Andy’s selection starting today.

Summer Homes, Old Orchard Beach, Maine, 2007

I’ve been making a conscious effort to better observe my day-to-day surroundings. I’m looking forward to seeing what the camera and I can make.

Bathroom Curtains, Syracuse, New York, 2009

A remarkable, simple idea with the potential for great success. I love advertising of this nature.

About the campaign:

“Recently, local businesses in Portland, Maine, helped us launch an ad campaign that cost absolutely nothing. That’s right. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Sure, a big, expensive campaign could have gotten our name out there. But at what cost? See, it’s thinking like this that helps us give 82 cents of every dollar spent directly to the people who need it most. Like our fellow northern New Englanders in need of food, shelter, rehabilitation, elderly services…even disaster assistance. Now more than ever, it’s important to make every dollar count. It’s nice to know The Salvation Army of Northern New England is committed to “Doing The Most Good” with your donations.”

See more here.

Jónsi Birgisson, the lead singer of Sigur Rós, has released a song from his forthcoming solo album titled “go”. The music of Sigur Rós has always been influential to my photography and thinking. I often listen to it while driving, working at the computer, and sometimes even when I am photographing. It’s intriguing to watch Sigur Rós transition over time and I find myself thinking about the transitions my own photographs. I find time to be fascinating and believe it’s one of the many reasons I am passionate about making photographs.

If this was printed 40″ x 50″ you would see 3 killer whales off in the distance.

Peninsula Valdes, Argentina, 2009